Michele Estell

To know a woman of grace, courage, kindness, amazing wit and resilience is to know Michele. Michele was a winter baby, born December 9, 1952 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was a sweet, smart little girl who called her mom, “Gertrude” until she was five years old and then decided to call her "mother. Although an only child, she grew up with many relatives that felt more like siblings than aunts, uncles or cousins. To many of the Paseo High School Class of ‘71, she was known as “Meechee.” She was admired for her beautiful smile, sense of humor and true “Pirate” school spirit. Michele was a cheerleader, served on the Student Council Committee, and was voted “Best Dancer.” She had a true sense of style and was not afraid to be unique. While Michele’s high school career was full of triumphs, 1971 also brought along one of her greatest joys and gifts, the birth of her son, Devlin. In her twenties, Michele was a member of the “Sweet Indications”, a family singing group that played a local private club. Her Roberta Flack sound was craved by fans and the group had many admirers. Her presence when singing was magnetic, and it was in that club that she met her future husband, Terry Estell in May of 1973. The couple married in September of 1974. Michele, Terry, and Devlin lived in many places that Terry’s military career lead them. Their family grew in 1977, when Terry and Michele welcomed their daughter, Tiffany, in Fort. Campbell, Kentucky. Colorado became their home in 1978. Although the marriage ended in January 1982, the love and respect they shared remained. After her divorce, Michele moved closer to her family in Denver. She channeled all her love into her children and worked exceptionally hard to support them. Michele took pride in her work and often chose jobs where she could help and served others. Whether working in retail or banking, she balanced being confident and humble and without a doubt she made an impression on her customers and colleagues alike. At work, she thrived being with people but at home she appreciated her solitude. She liked to unwind alone and enjoyed her own company. In March of 2016, Michele’s life changed after suffering a stroke. This circumstance that could have potentially stifled her light, simply gave her another way to shine. Michele showed great determination as she worked to recover. She navigated each day with strength and she maintained her sense of humor through it all. Michele was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer in October 2017. She remained brave, feisty and full of compassion for others throughout her brief battle. Above all, Michele’s life was a gift. She was a cheerleader in high school but also in life. She made any floor a dance floor but also danced her way into our hearts. She was a mother to her two children but nurturing to all she met. She used her voice to sing but also to raise others up. Michele left our world on December 13, 2017. Michele is survived by her mother: Gertrude Myers, her son: Devlin Washington, and her daughter: Tiffany Estell, as well as an abundance of relative and friends.

Funeral Home: St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 12/19/2017 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 12/20/2017 at 2:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO